A Conversation With David Rosmarin, MD

Dr Rosmarin is a clinical scientist and vice chair for research and education at Tufts Medical Center in Boston, MA, focusing on clinical trials for inflammatory skin disorders. He earned his medical degree at New York University, completing dermatology residency training in the Boston University-Tufts combined training program and a fellowship at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Dr Rosmarin joined Tufts Medical Center in 2013 as a clinical trial investigator and became the director of the residency program and the clinical trials unit in 2016.

Dr Rosmarin is leading the development of a topical Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor to repigment the skin in patients with vitiligo. He was the first to use dupilumab as a treatment for bullous pemphigoid. For hidradenitis suppurativa, Dr Rosmarin is pioneering the use of anti- IL-17A and anti-IL-23 antibodies as novel treatments. He has led research on the use of oral JAK inhibitors to treat connective tissue diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus and scleroderma. He also focuses on other inflammatory skin disorders, such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and alopecia areata.

Q. What part of your work gives you the most pleasure?

A. There are many reasons I am grateful to be a dermatologist. First is the ability to help individual patients realize an improved quality of life and have a personalized doctor-patient interaction. Second is the opportunity to teach fellows, residents, and medical students. I am constantly learning from my colleagues, and I try to impart the knowledge and experience I have accrued. I also appreciate the ability to think creatively about new therapies for patients and to advance treatments. It is perhaps most compelling to be able to use novel medications for patients in need of help.

Q. Who was your hero/mentor and why?

A. I have many mentors and heroes to whom I owe a great debt. Number one on my list is my father who practiced medical dermatology in Queens, NY, for about 40 years. Not only is he one of the smartest people I have ever known, but he is also industrious, personable, professional, and compassionate. He made it his mission to help his community, steadfastly providing the highest level of care to patients, and was always available for his family. Very often when we are together, his patients spot him and come over to thank him for his care. He remains an inspiration to me.

Q. Are an understanding and appreciation of the humanities important in dermatology and why?

A. It is important to realize that medicine is an art and that we treat patients, not diseases. Understanding the arts and different cultures assists us to optimize care delivery in a personalized way that is kind, empathetic, and humanistic.

Q. What is your greatest regret?

A. There are many research ideas that I want to pursue, but it is often challenging to get funding. I remain optimistic that with perseverance this will still happen.

Q. What is the greatest political danger in the field of dermatology?

A. One of the concerns I have is patient access to medications. Restrictions from insurance companies and the cost of medications make it challenging to give patients the life-altering treatments they need.